Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has responded to Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over the singer’s appeal for a peaceful and credible governorship election in Osun State.
Uzodimma described Davido as his son but clarified that he is not an eligible voter in the state and is participating in the August 15 election as a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku.
Uzodimma also distanced himself from comments recently made by Ambrose Nwogwugwu, who had accused Davido of engaging in “emotional blackmail” after the singer appealed to the governor to help ensure a peaceful election.
According to Uzodimma, neither Nwogwugwu nor anyone else was authorised to respond to Davido on his behalf.
Davido had appealed to Uzodimma, whom he referred to as his “daddy from Imo State,” to use his political influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun State to freely choose their preferred candidate during the election.
The singer, whose wife, Chioma Adeleke, is from Imo State, said his appeal followed reports of possible interference in the election. However, he stressed that he was not presenting the reports as established facts.
Uzodimma Explains His Role
Responding to the appeal, Uzodimma said Davido remained his son and assured him that his presence in Osun State was strictly connected to his responsibilities within the APC.
The governor is the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and also heads the APC Osun State Governorship Campaign Council.
He said his role in the election was to mobilise support for the APC candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
Uzodimma stressed that, unlike Osun residents, he would not be casting a ballot in the election.
He explained that political leaders routinely campaign for candidates outside their home states and that his involvement in Osun was part of his responsibilities as an APC leader.
The governor further assured the public that the APC remained committed to a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.
Governor Disowns ‘Emotional Blackmail’ Comment
Uzodimma also rejected the impression that Nwogwugwu’s comments represented his official position.
Nwogwugwu had criticised Davido’s appeal, describing it as “emotional blackmail” and telling the singer to direct his message to Osun voters who would ultimately decide the outcome of the election.
However, Uzodimma said the remarks were Nwogwugwu’s personal opinion and were not authorised by him or the APC campaign council.
He therefore urged Davido, Osun residents and the general public to disregard the comments.
The governor said the clarification was necessary because some individuals had attempted to portray Nwogwugwu’s statement as his official response to Davido.
Uzodimma maintained that there was nothing undemocratic about campaigning for an opposition candidate or appealing to voters to support a particular political party.
He reiterated his respect for Davido and the people of Osun State, while stressing that his responsibility in the election was to support the APC candidate and monitor the party’s participation in the poll.
He also assured Davido that his involvement in the Osun election would remain within the boundaries of democratic political participation.
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